Gutsy Old Grovians Wether the storm (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Gutsy Old Grovians Wether the storm

3:19pm Sunday 15th January 2012 in General By Sports Desk

Old Grovians 9, Wetherby 7

With conditions underfoot firm but just about playable, Wetherby dominated posession in the first half. They were playing with the confidence that has seen them climb into the top half of the table.

However, Grovians came closest to opening the scoring when Ben Brown saw his penalty smack off the right hand upright and bounce away. Brown made no mistake with his next two opportunities though and the home side led 6-0 inside 15 minutes.

Old Grovians lacked fluency with ball in hand and, after Brown failed to convert another penalty, Wetherby took advantage. Following sustained pressure on the home line, a quick tap penalty saw the visiting inside centre crash over.

Wetherby thought they’d crossed the line on two further occasions before the break, only to be controversially denied by refereeing decisions.

The official sent two of their players to the sinbin in the final minute of the half. The first following a late hit on Grovians’ fly half and the second for a late tackle.

More cards followed after the break as the hosts’ No 8 Tom Dalton saw yellow and then both sides were reduced to 14 men following a try-saving tackle from wing Dan Nulty on a Wetherby forward.

It looked a text-book challenge but, to the bemusement of players and spectators, the referee brandished yellows for both players.

The flurry of cards made for a disjointed second half.

Wetherby enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but couldn’t break down Grovians’ stout defence.